After months of speculation, scrutiny and conjecture, the 23 men charged with bringing the country success in Russia were revealed by the Football Association along with the five-strong stand-by list for the tournament.

The attacking midfielder is a favourite of Southgate yet managing just one Premier League start in an injury-disrupted season means the 30-year-old had to settle with a stand-by place alongside Jake Livermore, Tom Heaton, James Tarkowski and Lewis Cook.

Press Association Sport understands Lallana has met the news with maturity and positivity - plus Liverpool's Champions League final preparations will give him the chance to build fitness that could yet see him called upon.

Crystal Palace midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also received the call after a fine end to the season for his club. Credit: PA

While Lallana is the most notable omission, uncapped Reds team-mate Alexander-Arnold is the most striking inclusion.

An impressive performer in Liverpool's run to the Champions League final, the 19-year-old briefly trained with Southgate's side in March and has now been named in the senior squad for the first time.

"I believe this is a squad which we can be excited about," England manager Southgate said.

"It is a young group, but with some really important senior players so I feel the balance of the squad is good, both in terms of its experience, its character and also the positional balance.

"We have a lot of energy and athleticism in the team, but players that are equally comfortable in possession of the ball and I think people can see the style of play we've been looking to develop.

"The selection process has been over months really, it's not just been the last few weeks. We feel the team are improving and we want to continue that momentum.

"The first call up for Trent Alexander-Arnold is well deserved. When we pick young players, it's not just because they are young, it's because their performances deserve it.

"We've also had a couple of injuries with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez, which is a huge blow for them personally and disappointing for us."